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Just don't get stuck in Birmingham!lol understatement for all of the UK...!

I agree with lostboy. B'ham is the least interesting place in the UK, IMO. I lived near there (Coventry) for a while and it truly depressed me. I would keep running off to London. Like lost boy said, Stratford-Upon Avon is very near B'ham and you could make a jaunt from there.

Edinburgh is great if you have time to go up to Scotland. If you're more adventurous you could also go further up to Inverness and visit the Lochness lake.

I agree with lostboy. B'ham is the least interesting place in the UK, IMO. I lived near there (Coventry) for a while and it truly depressed me. I would keep running off to London. Like lost boy said, Stratford-Upon Avon is very near B'ham and you could make a jaunt from there.

Edinburgh is great if you have time to go up to Scotland. If you're more adventurous you could also go further up to Inverness and visit the Lochness lake.

Based on what I am hearing.... I am considering changing my "homebase" to London and then travelling around to Birmingham and the other areas from there.... Does that sound like a better plan? I think the hotels (particularly those with hot breakfast) might be a bit more in London compared to B'ham, but I would probably make up any extra hotel expense by not having to travel back and forth to B'ham and in time (which has a value all its own). Thoughts?

Why did you pick Birmingham in the first place? I thought surely you must have a meeting or something that meant you had to be there. If you're trying to save money on a hotel surely there's a better place that's non-London. What's this "home base" concept anyway? Why not just travel and stay where you're traveling to?

Why did you pick Birmingham in the first place? I thought surely you must have a meeting or something that meant you had to be there. If you're trying to save money on a hotel surely there's a better place that's non-London. What's this "home base" concept anyway? Why not just travel and stay where you're traveling to?

I have a "friend" in Birmingham that I plan on seeing (however, I will only be seeing him for a day or two of the trip). I am travelling over with a female friend of mine. I didn't want to be having to book 4 or 5 different hotels in advance and did not want to run into issues of securing the type of hotel I want on a "fly-by" basis if I try to secure a room as I go from city to city.

I'm not trying to save money as much as appease the person I am travelling with. She wants a hotel that has hot breakfast, etc.... I am happy finding breakfast at local restaurants - as that is part of the fun of travelling.... but she is insistant that we have a hotel that provides breakfast as part of the package.

I initially was going to be travelling alone - and wish that I would have kept it that way - as I do much better when I can go with my flow and not try to compromise to achieve my flow and someone else's (what can I say? I didn't get the whole sharing/compromise thing in kindergarden and still struggle with it at times today).

Nothing wrong with trying to save money, but I'd just look for a hotel on an outer subway line in London, or even a commuter line, if that's what is needed. Actually the best experience I had was renting out someone's apartment in Covent Garden so that I had my own kitchen and didn't have to eat out except for dinner.

Based on what I am hearing.... I am considering changing my "homebase" to London and then travelling around to Birmingham and the other areas from there.... Does that sound like a better plan? I think the hotels (particularly those with hot breakfast) might be a bit more in London compared to B'ham, but I would probably make up any extra hotel expense by not having to travel back and forth to B'ham and in time (which has a value all its own). Thoughts?

London is invaded by tourists all year round and particularly in the summer. If you look up online for "bed n breakfasts" in London or any other city in the UK you'd find plenty of options- some quite reasonable (And they should serve an English breakfast (Sausages, bacon, baked beans on toast, grilled mushroom, fried egg- with brown sauce) . As Miss P suggested, BnB/Hotel prices would be cheaper outside of Zone 1 (Central London) in London, I reckon. It's also advisable to get an Oyster Card for a week for the London underground (which incidentally just turned 150 years old yesterday)- and this also works on London buses- 24/7.

And I think changing your base to London is a great idea. There's no end to the things you can see in that city, not something one can say for Birmingham. Brighton and Oxford are also both just an hour away. You could go to either (or to both) for a day's trip- or just for the afternoon- there are trains every hour or so.

London is invaded by tourists all year round and particularly in the summer. If you look up online for "bed n breakfasts" in London or any other city in the UK you'd find plenty of options- some quite reasonable (And they should serve an English breakfast (Sausages, bacon, baked beans on toast, grilled mushroom, fried egg- with brown sauce) . As Miss P suggested, BnB/Hotel prices would be cheaper outside of Zone 1 (Central London) in London, I reckon. It's also advisable to get an Oyster Card for a week for the London underground (which incidentally just turned 150 years old yesterday)- and this also works on London buses- 24/7.

And I think changing your base to London is a great idea. There's no end to the things you can see in that city, not something one can say for Birmingham. Brighton and Oxford are also both just an hour away. You could go to either (or to both) for a day's trip- or just for the afternoon- there are trains every hour or so.

You can also consider something like easycar.com for cheap car rental if you think you can handle driving in the UK. That way you can spend a day or two going to Stonehenge, Oxford, Windsor, Bath etc. and not be tied down to a train schedule. Then I'd just spend the rest of the time in London because there's so much to do, especially if it's your first time there.

The worst thing one can do on a week visit to another country is try to see too much -- not very restful or pragmatic.

Ms. P: As much as I am used to driving in Miami - I would probably be terrified to do so in England (the whole driving on the other side of the road would mess me up) Oh, and aren't the steering wheels on the other side of the car also? Wow - if so, I would really be dislocated - just getting into the car, not to mention then navigating from the opposite side of the road... It would be interesting to see the outcome though, I suppose.

Thank you both for the additional guidance and suggestions.

I have a feeling that I am going to wish I would have spent two weeks instead of one week (I am seriously contemplating adding an extra two days on to the trip).

I am going to look up some hotels (not sure if my travel companion will be open to the B&B) and post them to see if I am hitting the right area (If you all could provide some feedback, that would be great - I promise to pick you up a souvenir or two while I am there.... perhaps I will send you a large package consisting of a fiesty young lady from the Isle of Man).

So, any feedback on these hotels in regards to location particularly (as I don't have a clue what Zone 1, etc is and where things are in relationship to the underground and having best access to various points of interest). Here are some of the initial ones I have pre-screened:

Zone 1 refers to the innermost section of London. Transit fares are based on these zones, which is why it was suggested you find something further out if you don't want higher hotel rates. Just google-image "london zone map". And if you think I'm going to look up all of those hotels for you then I'm not sure what you're smoking. If the hotel is within a reasonable walking distance of a tube station then you don't really have to be all so concerned, then it's just a matter of how close into the city center you wish to be. It's all laid out on google maps.

If you don't want to spend an 40 min to an hour taking the subway in the morning and evening to save money on an outer zone hotel then stay in the center where everything is. You'll still take the subway some, just not such long trips. It's like staying in Manhattan versus outer Queens. Seriously girl, you're acting as if you've never lived in a city.

As much as I am used to driving in Miami - I would probably be terrified to do so in England (the whole driving on the other side of the road would mess me up) Oh, and aren't the steering wheels on the other side of the car also? Wow - if so, I would really be dislocated - just getting into the car, not to mention then navigating from the opposite side of the road... It would be interesting to see the outcome though, I suppose.

Actually, you'd be surprised how easy it is to make the transition from driving on the right to driving on the left - and the fact that the steering wheel is on the opposite side of the car makes it seem natural. I never had a problem once when I first started driving over here, even though like you, I thought I would.

The only problem I ever had was remembering which side of the car to get into without looking in for the steering wheel first. It took me a good ten years to get over that.

One thing some "Full English Breakfasts" come with is fried bread - usually white bread dropped in a skillet with a quarter to half inch of hot fat in it and fried on both sides to a deep golden brown. I bet Wumpy would love it.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

I am so looking forward to this trip.... I am doing so much researching trying to find the right hotel - the one's that are right in the prime spots of London are crazy expensive.... so, I will be doing the Zone thingy....

Thanks Ms. P for the info on searching google for zone info and hotels, etc.

My brain is a little off the past few days, but doing this research is good exercise for it..... As long as I don't end up in a hostel with 12 other people in the room and a shared bath.... Oh, and some of the rooms are ultra small - we are talking like smaller than a closet small.... I'm 6'1 (almost 6'2) and my legs (or some other body parts) wouldn't even fit comfortably in some of the ultra small rooms...

If I was going by myself, I would pick one of the small B&Bs....

Of course I will be taking plenty of pictures and posting them upon my return.

I suppose w/ my various health issues, it would probably be advisable to purchase travel insurance.... LOL

One thing some "Full English Breakfasts" come with is fried bread - usually white bread dropped in a skillet with a quarter to half inch of hot fat in it and fried on both sides to a deep golden brown. I bet Wumpy would love it.

I have trouble remembering not only which side, but which car to get into, here in my own city.... Seriously, I have tried to get in other cars more than once and sat in the passenger seat once or twice looking for the steering wheel a couple of times...

Oh, and some of the rooms are ultra small - we are talking like smaller than a closet small.... I'm 6'1 (almost 6'2) and my legs (or some other body parts) wouldn't even fit comfortably in some of the ultra small rooms...

LOL - nope but you would think I was...I am actually looking at mid-level hotels... nothing overly cheap, nothing overly expensive...mid-range - but some of those rooms are even small (especially if they are close to the center of the city).

I have trouble remembering not only which side, but which car to get into, here in my own city.... Seriously, I have tried to get in other cars more than once and sat in the passenger seat once or twice looking for the steering wheel a couple of times...

The breakfast bread sounds great - I will have to try that.

You've to also change gears with your left hand.

And make sure you try Black Pudding-or blood sausage- in your breakfast.

Cross Croydon off your list. Although there's good public transport in and out of there it's not central and not the nicest of areas.

I don't know anything about the hotels but for area I would go for The Best Western W5 or Orchard, also W5. They're close to Nottinghill - nice buzzy vibe and easy access to all the tourist spots.

Edit - I just read reviews for both, scratch Orchard. Best Western has some good reviews.

Thanks Leese -That has been the most difficult part - picking a hotel that is central (or close to transportation - i.e. the underground/rail), one that satisfies my traveling partner, one that has good reviews, etc - and getting all of those to line up. No easy task.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

If you are going to Camden Town, there is a Chinese restaurant on Prince Edward Road called The Galley. It's on a barge. Delicious food. The sliced duck is really something special. I never miss going there whenever I am back in London. It's not cheap but it's worth it.

If you are going to Camden Town, there is a Chinese restaurant on Prince Edward Road called The Galley. It's on a barge. Delicious food. The sliced duck is really something special. I never miss going there whenever I am back in London. It's not cheap but it's worth it.

Thanks Andy - I will have to check it out.

Also, just got off the phone with my traveling companion - She is more than okay with making London homebase. She is also talking about trying to take the rail to Paris (although, I don't know how realistic that will be given time factors and other logistical issues).

Best Western Phoenix Hotel1-8 Kensington Gardens Square, London, W2 4BH United KingdomRanked: 365 out of 1,082 hotels in London

Any other suggestions?

Hmmm, defo not Croydon. Too far. Rather than going West, I generally recommend people try hotels in East London or South. You generally get cheaper rates but the connections to central London are just as good. West London is considered nicer, so hotels can charge more for the same star rating.

I don't know your budget, but cast a wider net to apartments/holiday flats. You often get much better deals, more central but you lack some of the hotel convenience (like umm a shit restaurant attached to the4 property). Google holiday flats London.

I've never stayed at any of the above so can't comment on them specifically. Try Premier Inn. I haven't stayed in one but they are usually pretty cheap but with decent rooms.

In terms of things to do....there are a million! Get a decent book and just choose what you fancy. Museums are abundant and great. My favorite is Tate Modern....but the National Gallery is probably a must and can be combined with other things to do in Covent Garden. Drinks in soho, of course. The city has fantastic restaurant at all price points, so you'll have no problem there. A good gastropub is a must....I wouldn't go cheap here as the food can be really, really good if you go upmarket a bit (and really, really shit at a cheap one....as in like Microwave food). Some choices are:

Ancher & Hope (in Southwark, very close to South Bank, so you can combine with a visit to Tate Modern)The Eagle (Farringdon)Fox & AnchorHarwood ArmsSometimes I go to CHurchill arms....a good but stuffy pub that has great Thai food. It's quite spicy so when they say its spicy, it is....go there when you take a trip to Notting Hill.

Weather should be warming up then, so stroll some of London's great parks (Regent Park is my favorite). But April can be very wet and mild (so pack appropriately).

Gotta see a show here...I'm not into theatre much, but War horse was good. I've gotten tickets to the Book of Mormon, which I'm looking forward to....book in advance if you can.

But just walk around....that's my favorite thing to do. And you must do Boris bikes. It's a good way to get around and see the city. But be careful, Will and I took a bike ride and I made a sharp turn and forced him to fall off his bike, in front of a bus!!! London streets are busy but the traffic is used to cyclist.

Good thing you won't base yourself in B'ham. That would have been tragic.

Try Premier Inn. I haven't stayed in one but they are usually pretty cheap but with decent rooms.

I've stayed at about six or seven different Premier Inns in various parts of England and they're good value for money. Clean rooms, friendly staff. No room service, but the restaurant is open from around 6am to 11pm or midnight - and there's always a bar. Breakfast can be included in the cost of the room.

Premier Inns in suburban areas often have a chain-type restaurant attached and some of them aren't very good. The ones in city centres usually have an integral restaurant that isn't a chain and are, in general, much better. One doesn't usually book a PI room for the food anyway, it's all about the inexpensive but decent accommodation.

Travel Lodge is very similar price and quality-wise (stayed in one in Liverpool the night Obama first got elected) but I'm not sure if they operate in London.

And of course you'll be staying at Smith Inn when you come to the Rock - but the in-house food can be a bit hit-and-miss. If you're a good boy you might get breakfast in bed.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Heh. I went to Liverpool for clinic yesterday and I have to take back (maybe not everything) what I've said over the years about FlyMAYBe FlyBe.

About 30 minutes before my flight was due to board, there came the dreaded announcement:

"FlyBe regrets to announce the delay of flight BE-blahblahblah to...."

I inwardly groaned because to date, in my experience, the next word in that sentence is always Liverpool.

But yesterday, the next word was MANCHESTER!

My bf and I looked at each other in total amazement, eyes wide and eyebrows raised. What a shock! For once they didn't steal our plane earmarked for the Liverpool flight to make sure a London or Manchester flight went on time.

Once we boarded the reason became apparent - there were only a couple empty seats. Judging by how many people had been in the departure lounge, the Manchester flight couldn't have had more than a dozen or so passengers. Take that, Manchester!

For those of you scratching your heads, wondering why I decided to post this little nugget in this thread, it's because I've been slagging FlyMAYBe FlyBe off to Phil since he first announced that he was cumming coming over.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Yes, but it was a typo -- it's May 28 -June 7; my friends were able to swing me a better airfare with their mileage I think. Waiting for confirmation. Really only nine days as the rest are travel because none are direct flights. They're 12.5 hour flights with transfers.

I think you should think twice about travelling with all that cash. My bank has never left me stranded in a foreign country. After all, people do travel. If you are concerned, call them ahead of time and ask for their direct/non 800 number you can call internationally should something happen (many times you cant call 800 numbers from some foreign countries).

Your much more likely to lose or have someone steal all that cash. I got robbed by a taxi driver in Prague once.

Anyway, I would recommend a visit to Bath, and York if you can do it, Bath is a lot closer to London than York but both are beautiful old English cities. albeit them small cities. I lived in Colchester for 6 years, it's an Army town and is surrounded by the original Roman walls and the Colchester Castle is right in the center, a good place to visit if you are interested in Roman history.

Dayumm, and I had already made reservations at all the local baths based on Jan's insistence!!!

Oh - and thank you everyone for the feedback - I will only take the current GBP I have already on me....Any additional funds I will get off of my Bank of America card or USAA (although USAA offers only 1% international transaction fee - I have to see what BofA charges).... And both banks allow me to let them know online if I am traveling overseas so that there are no unnecessary holds placed on the card(s).

Thanks again for the feedback on carrying of the cash... It is appreciated

It is a smart move notifying your credit card/bank that you will be traveling. I had my credit card de-activated when I was in a small town in Australia on a Sunday evening with no phone service and no internet access.

Getting ready to head to the airport in a bit - flight leaves at 1:00 pm... Excited about my trip... Although, there has been a bit of sadness and anxiety - my brother was rushed to the hospital yesterday and is in the ICU. He is conscious, but extremely ill. He will definitely be on my mind during the trip - but, I know he is in good hands.

Pictures upon my return or if I can figure out how to do it while on my journey.